University of Minnesota Athletics
University of Minnesota
11-2-1, 9-2-1WCHA
Bemidji State
4-10-2, 3-5-2WCHA
Bozek Leads Gophers to 3-1 Win and Sweep
11/22/2009 12:00:00 AM | Women's Hockey
Freshman defenseman Megan Bozek had a part in all three goals to lead the No. 2/3 University of Minnesota women's hockey team to a 3-1 win over Bemidji State, this afternoon at Ridder Arena. Bozek scored a goal and two assists, while Emily West and Terra Rasmussen each netted a goal as the Golden Gophers earned their 11th win of the season. Minnesota, who won 4-2 yesterday, is now 11-2-1 overall and 9-2-1 in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association and earned its third sweep over a conference opponent.
BSU got on the board early when Emily Erickson scored at 3:03 in the first on an unassisted attempt to give the Beavers a 1-0 lead. Minnesota responded with a goal of its own at 13:27 in the first when Bozek scored her first goal of her career during the power play. On the penalty kill, a BSU defender was trying to clear the puck from behind the net and shot it to the far boards. Bozek, however, picked the puck off the boards and walked in and fired a low shot from the top of the circles for the goal.
Minnesota took a 2-1 lead when West scored her ninth goal of the season at 5:23 in the second. Bozek started the play, passing the puck from the left point to the right to Anne Schleper. She put a shot on, but was blocked by BSU. However, West was positioned at the bottom of the right circle where she put a shot toward the net. It went off the crossbar, but re-directed into the net to give the Gophers a one-goal lead heading into the final period of play.
Terra Rasmussen added the insurance goal at 18:39 in the third to secure the win. Bozek found Rasmussen in front of the net for her fifth goal of the season and second in back-to-back games. Kelli Blankenship added the second assist.
Noora Räty was between the pipes for the fourth-straight game and earned her eighth win of the season. Räty had four saves in the first, nine in the second and seven in the third for 20 saves. She is now 8-1-1 on the season. Tomcikova had nine saves in the first, nine in the second and 16 in the third for 34 saves.
Minnesota hosts a pivotal non-conference series next weekend when No. 2/3 Clarkson comes to town. The Golden Gophers and Golden Knights play 7:07 p.m. on Friday and 3:07 p.m. Saturday afternoon. Minnesota is ranked No. 2 in the USCHO.com poll, while Clarkson holds the No. 2 spot in the USA Today poll. The series also marks the last time the Gophers will be at home in the 2009 calendar year. Following the Clarkson series, Minnesota's next home game is Jan. 8-9 against Ohio State.
